See slide presentation here.

A central theme of the presentation was that growth in Leon County is not occurring evenly across the community. Instead, new housing construction is heavily concentrated in specific growth corridors, particularly in the northeast and southeast portions of the county. These areas include major planned developments in Welaunee area and surrounding residential projects, which are expected to add thousands of new housing units over time. Regional planning data shows that major developments alone could account for more than 7,000 new homes in the northeast sector, significantly influencing future student enrollment patterns.

The image below shows that future residential growth is concentrated in Leon County school districts 1 & 2.

The presentation distinguished between three key measures used to track residential growth: development approvals, permitted units, and completed housing units. Development approvals represent long-term growth potential, while building permits serve as the most reliable indicator of near-term population increases. Permitting activity is especially important for school planning because it signals imminent household formation and enrollment demand. This framework allows planners and school officials to anticipate enrollment changes several years before new residents arrive.

Historical data presented in the slides shows that Leon County has experienced sustained population growth over the past several decades. The county’s population increased from approximately 192,000 residents at the time of the original Comprehensive Plan adoption to more than 292,000 residents by the 2020 Census.

Looking forward, the presentation indicates that residential development will continue at a moderate but consistent pace. Long-range projections anticipate the need for thousands of additional housing units by mid-century, reflecting both population growth and migration into the region. Local planning policies emphasize directing new development into designated urban service areas and encouraging infill development to maximize existing infrastructure and reduce pressure on rural land.

The presentation also highlights the importance of aligning school facility planning with residential development patterns. Because new subdivisions often generate concentrated enrollment increases within specific attendance zones, school districts must coordinate closely with local governments to ensure adequate capacity. In fast-growing areas, new schools or classroom expansions may be required to maintain acceptable class sizes and service levels. For example, officials note that constructing a new high school can exceed $100 million, underscoring the financial implications of growth-related infrastructure.

Another key finding is that residential growth is increasingly shaped by large-scale planned communities rather than small, scattered subdivisions. These developments typically include a mix of housing types, infrastructure, and amenities, allowing planners to better forecast population impacts. However, they also create localized enrollment spikes that require early coordination between land-use planners and school administrators.

The half-penny sales tax has been a longstanding funding source for local schools, first approved by voters in 2002 and renewed again in 2012. Since the last renewal, the tax has generated approximately $397 million in revenue to support school facilities and capital improvements. The current voter-approved funding authorization is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2027. District leaders are planning to ask voters to consider another renewal through a referendum proposed for the November 2026 ballot. If approved, the extension of the half-penny sales tax is projected to generate more than half a billion dollars in funding for the school district over the next 15 years, sustaining infrastructure investments.

A central message of the workshop is the growing mismatch between facility needs and available funding. District projections show approximately $1.1 billion in capital needs between 2028 and 2043, driven by aging buildings, safety upgrades, modernization, and enrollment changes. Without renewal of the half-penny tax, officials estimate a $620 million funding gap, which would significantly limit the district’s ability to maintain facilities or build new capacity. The average age of school buildings in the district is roughly 35 years, highlighting the scale of deferred maintenance and renovation needs.

The presentation also provided a detailed breakdown of projected expenditures across five major departmental or functional categories that would be funded through the sales tax extension. These categories represent the core areas of capital investment necessary to sustain school operations over the next 15 years.

Five Department Expense Categories and Projected Expenditures (2028–2043)

1) Facilities Renewal and Maintenance — approximately $520 million
This category represents the largest share of projected spending and includes roof replacements, HVAC systems, structural repairs, plumbing, electrical upgrades, and general building maintenance. Officials stress that routine maintenance is essential to avoid more costly emergency repairs in the future.

2) New Construction and Capacity Projects — approximately $260 million
Funding in this category would support construction of new school buildings, classroom additions, and campus expansions to address enrollment growth and changing program needs. The district noted that population growth and development patterns will drive demand for additional capacity in certain areas.

3) Safety and Security Improvements — approximately $140 million
This category includes campus security systems, access control technology, surveillance equipment, emergency communications infrastructure, and facility hardening measures. The presentation frames safety investments as a continuing priority following statewide and national school security initiatives.

4) Technology Infrastructure — approximately $110 million
Technology spending focuses on network systems, classroom connectivity, digital infrastructure, and equipment necessary to support modern instructional environments. Officials note that technology cycles require more frequent upgrades than traditional building systems.

5) Transportation and Support Facilities — approximately $70 million
This category includes maintenance and replacement of transportation infrastructure such as bus compounds, maintenance facilities, and operational support buildings required to sustain district services.

Collectively, these five categories account for the majority of projected capital expenditures through 2043 and illustrate the long-term planning framework used by district administrators.

Another key theme in the presentation is cost escalation. Officials highlighted rising construction and labor costs as major drivers of increased capital needs, noting that delaying projects typically results in higher long-term expenses. The workshop also emphasizes accountability measures, including public reporting, project tracking, and financial oversight to ensure tax revenues are spent only on voter-approved capital improvements.

Earlier this year, the proposed amendment failed to receive the needed support from the charter review committee vote, failing 9-9. However, the Leon County Commission directed staff to conduct an analysis of the proposal and report back to the commission.

The report, presented during the April 14 meeting, highlighted concerns about the legality of such an amendment in the wake of anti-DEI legislation recently signed into law.

However, the 6-1 vote tasked the county attorney with revising the proposed amendment to remove any references to reparations, slavery and DEI.

Commissioner Nick Maddox said the measure is not about DEI. “This is about historic harms and public policy,” he said. “It’s about legislation that harmed anyone regardless of race.”

The proposal calls for the county to study past injustices and allocate funding toward corrective initiatives. Leon County Commissioner Brian Welch, who voted against the measure, said the proposal is plainly reparations.

The Report

The Leon County Commission previously received a report on a proposed charter amendment aimed at addressing long-standing disparities tied to historic public policies, but officials were not expected to take further action after the charter review committee declined to advance the measure earlier this year.

The proposal, presented by Dr. Strouble and reviewed by a county committee on Feb. 19, 2026, sought to require the county to systematically assess and address what the measure defined as “persistent disparities” experienced by individuals or communities whose ancestors were affected by unconstitutional historical policies. Committee members ultimately voted not to recommend the amendment to the full commission, citing legal and practical uncertainties.

Under the proposal, the county would have been required to conduct historical impact audits every five years to identify communities affected by policies such as slavery, debt peonage, convict leasing, segregation under Jim Crow laws, exclusionary zoning, and urban renewal programs that displaced residents. The audits would document the policies involved, evaluate present-day disparities, and recommend programs or investments to repair or mitigate those impacts.

The amendment also would have authorized the creation of a Community Restoration Fund dedicated to supporting services and investments for affected communities. Additionally, it would have allowed the county to prioritize access to county-owned land for individuals or communities determined to have experienced disparities stemming from historic policies.

However, the county staff analysis concluded that the scope and intent of the proposal were unclear in several key areas. One unresolved question was whether the amendment would require the county to address only its own past actions or also policies enacted by other entities, including state and federal governments or private actors.

During earlier discussions in January 2026, the proposal included explicit references to race. That language was removed before the February meeting and replaced with the term “unconstitutional,” a change supporters said was intended to make the measure more broadly applicable. Still, staff noted that many of the historic policies referenced in the amendment involved protected classes, raising potential legal concerns.

Those concerns were amplified by recent state and federal actions limiting the use of diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI-related programs. Florida lawmakers passed Senate Bill 1134 during the 2026 legislative session, a measure scheduled to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, unless vetoed by the governor. The legislation broadly prohibits local governments from funding or implementing programs that provide preferential treatment based on protected characteristics such as race, sex, or ethnicity.

County officials warned that violations of the law could carry significant consequences, including potential removal from office for elected officials found to be in violation. Residents would also have the ability to file legal actions seeking damages or court orders to halt prohibited programs.

Federal policy changes could also affect the county’s ability to move forward with initiatives tied to the proposed amendment. New federal contracting and grant requirements are expected to require recipients of federal funds to certify compliance with anti-discrimination laws and avoid programs considered discriminatory under federal standards.

Leon County receives substantial federal funding, including grants for infrastructure and public safety projects. Officials cautioned that adopting policies perceived as conflicting with state or federal requirements could jeopardize those funds.

Despite these concerns, elected officials voted to have staff conduct a further analysis which was the basis for the discussion at the April 14 meeting.

During the meeting, Maddox said the Charter Review Committee could reconsider the issue if DEI is not part of the approach. Some Charter Review members did say they would have voted for the amendment if not for legal issues.

“And I want the public, the general public to understand what I’m voting on. I’m going to say it one more time so I’m clear. I am not voting on a race or gender-based program. I am not voting on DEI,” said Maddox.

The agenda item before the elected officials indicated that negotiations between Leon County officials and the North Florida Fair Association had reached an impasse, prompting county leaders to consider several options that could shape the future of the fairgrounds and a major publicly funded redevelopment project.

County staff recently delivered a status report to the Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency Board outlining the results of months of discussions tied to the Blueprint Fairgrounds Beautification and Improvements project, a $30 million initiative approved in 2024. The project is intended to modernize aging infrastructure, improve facilities, and position the property for long-term redevelopment and economic growth.

At the center of the disagreement is control of the land.

The county owns the approximately 107-acre fairgrounds property, which has been leased to the North Florida Fair Association since 1995 for $1 per year through December 31, 2067. Under the current lease, the association has broad operational authority, and any significant improvements or development require approval from both parties. That arrangement has been identified by county staff as a limitation on moving forward with redevelopment plans.

In February, the Blueprint board directed staff to renegotiate the lease to provide the county with greater site control, particularly over roughly 50 acres identified in the master plan for future mixed-use development, infrastructure upgrades, and recreational amenities.

County officials proposed several changes, including shortening the lease term, granting the county naming rights to the property, adding six county-appointed members to the association’s governing board, and establishing joint operations of a new 20,000-square-foot community building. The proposal also included provisions allowing for relocation of the annual fair if a suitable site became available.

However, the North Florida Fair Association declined most of those terms and instead presented a counterproposal centered on obtaining ownership of approximately 60 acres of the property, including commercially valuable frontage along South Monroe Street.

In a letter submitted March 27, the association stated that its “primary and consistent objective” is to secure ownership of land necessary to continue its mission. While the association agreed to maintain its programming responsibilities and acknowledged the possibility of relocation, it rejected proposals to shorten the lease, grant exclusive naming rights, or relinquish development control over key portions of the property.

County staff noted that the county cannot unilaterally modify or terminate the lease unless the association dissolves, declares bankruptcy, or fails to hold the annual fair.

The fairgrounds remain a significant economic driver in the region. A 2021 feasibility study estimated that visitors generate approximately $79 million in annual economic impact. The nonprofit association, which operates independently from local government, reported about $2.67 million in cash and investments and no outstanding debt as of 2023. The organization employs six full-time staff members and roughly 100 seasonal workers during the annual fair.

With negotiations at a standstill, county staff recommended three potential paths forward for elected officials to consider at the April 14 meeting. One option would maintain the current lease through its 2067 expiration date. Another would consider transferring ownership of a portion of the property to the association under specific conditions requiring continued investment and programming. A third option would involve pursuing state legislation to restructure the association’s governance and increase county oversight.

In the end, the commission voted to appoint Caban as a negotiator.

Pittman’s Connections

ESPMedia is a local public relations firm that was founded in 2007 by Pittman. The firm represents political candidates, local agencies and both non-profit and for-profit organizations. In addition, a query of state business records shows that Pittman is the CEO of the Pittman Law Group and the Chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. Pittman is also the host of The Sean Pittman Show, a podcast which offers “a space for… a variety of individuals to let their voice be heard.”

Both the Pittman Law Group and The Sean Pittman Show are listed as clients of ESPMedia.

A search of campaign finance records shows that ESPMedia was a vendor for Leon County School Board member Daryl Jones during the 2018 and 2022 election cycles. Jones is currently running for re-election in 2026. Jones has appeared on The Sean Pittman Show multiple times.

Also, public records show that the Pittman Law Group was hired by the Leon County School Board in 2021 to provide legal services. The contract designated Opal McKinney-Williams (Lead Counsel) as the Board’s General Counsel. The contract called for a monthly retainer of $6,500 which applies for the first 35 hours. Any services provided in excess of the first 35 hours will be billed at the rate of $195 per hour for the Lead Counsel, $165 per hour for all other attorneys, and $75 per hour for paralegals and legal assistants/clerks.

During a May 28, 2024 school board meeting, elected officials voted to exercise the Pittman Law Group’s contract renewal option through June 30, 2027, and revised the monthly retainer to $9,000.00 for forty (40) hours and the hourly billing rates in excess of the first forty (40) hours to $225.00 for the Lead Counsel, and $200.00 for all other attorneys effective July 1, 2024.

In addition, a query of state business records shows that Pittman is the Chairman of the Big Bend Minority Chamber of Commerce. This group lists several companies doing business with the Leon County School Board. In addition, the Leon County School Board and the Leon Schools Foundation are members of the group.

Under this new arrangement, the school board’s general counsel and an elected school board member will be working for different companies controlled by the same person, Sean Pittman, who has various financial interests with the Leon County School Board.

Nicolas told the Democrat “his new role does not pose a conflict with his service on the school board because any potential work between the board and ESPMedia would be handled directly by Pittman.”

Monday, April 13, 2026

Weather: Today, partly sunny, with a high near 83. Tonight, partly cloudy, with a low around 59. Tuesday, sunny, with a high near 86. Tuesday night, clear, with a low around 58. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening. NWS

US stock markets close Friday mixed (S&P 500 -0.1%, Dow -0.6%, Nasdaq +0.4%), but end best week since November as fragile US-Iran ceasefire holds (More).

Local & State News

Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee on Friday completed the legal transfer of city-owned hospital assets, marking a historic milestone for FSU Health, the university’s academic health system. Details.

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Lawmakers remain in a holding pattern, with no concrete progress made on the budget. Legislative leaders issued memos to members saying they won’t need to return to the Capitol next week because there’s no agreement on allocations – top line numbers for the spending plan. Details.

Compared to January’s citrus forecast, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s April production forecast for oranges rose by 2%. Details

National News

President Donald Trump announced yesterday that the US would begin blockading the Strait of Hormuz. The decision comes after talks with Iran collapsed Saturday over broad disagreements, including Iran’s nuclear program, ending the highest-level negotiations between the two since 1979. 

New York officials opened a probe into Rep. Eric Swalwell (D, CA-14) over the weekend, following allegations by multiple women of sexual assault. Several high-profile people and organizations also withdrew endorsements from Swalwell, who currently leads Democratic candidates in the June 2 primary for governor with 13%-14% in polls. 

Florida State University and the City of Tallahassee on Friday completed the legal transfer of city-owned hospital assets, marking a historic milestone for FSU Health, the university’s academic health system.  

The action allows Florida State and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare to continue their work toward establishing an academic health center in Florida’s capital city. 

The transfer follows approvals by the Tallahassee City Commission on March 11, the Florida State University Board of Trustees and the Florida Board of Governors. 

“This milestone reflects years of partnership and a shared vision for the future of health care in our region,” said FSU President Richard McCullough. “This is a major step forward for FSU Health and for expanding clinical care, research and medical education in North Florida.” 

Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey added: “Tallahassee is known across the nation for its high quality of life, and with the future of FSU Health now solidified, our community is poised to play a leading role in advancing medicine while elevating the care available to our residents and the broader region. We have successfully strengthened the heartbeat of our city by uniting research, education and patient care.” 

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare will continue its long?standing role of operating the hospital and remains responsible for patient care, employees and daily operations.  

This partnership will expand medical education, strengthen clinical care, and grow research in Tallahassee and across North Florida. Together, the organizations are building an integrated academic health system designed to better serve patients while advancing discovery and training the next generation of health care professionals. 

“This is an exciting day for TMH, FSU and our community. This brings us one step closer to our vision of an academic health model — one that will strengthen our ability to recruit physicians, expand specialty services, and continue delivering exceptional care close to home,” said Mark O’Bryant, CEO of Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. 

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare becomes the clinical anchor of FSU Health and builds on years of collaboration between the two institutions, including construction of the FSU Health Research Center on the TMH campus, which is expected to open later this year. 

Leaders have emphasized that TMH’s longstanding mission remains unchanged, including its commitment to serve all patients. Deed restrictions approved by the city require the continuation of charity care and ensure the property remains a hospital. 

“FSU Health places our community at the forefront of innovation, expanding access to high quality healthcare, creating jobs and improving lives across every corner of our community and North Florida,” City Manager Reese Goad said. I’m proud that we have charted a course toward ensuring a healthier, more resilient future for Tallahassee.” 

Press Forward North Florida, an initiative of the Community Foundation of North Florida, is proud to announce the launch of the Capital Region News Collaborative — a coalition of six local news organizations joining forces to provide deeper, community-centered reporting on issues that matter most to the region.

The six founding news outlets — WCTV, WTXL, WFSU Public Media, The Tallahassee Democrat, Capital Outlook, and Tallahassee Reports — will work together to expand in-depth reporting that strengthens civic connection and community understanding.

“While the Press Forward national initiative sets a powerful framework for change, it is through local chapters like Press Forward North Florida that meaningful impact takes shape. Efforts like the Capital Region News Collaborative strengthen local news and information in our community, helping build a more informed, connected, and civically engaged North Florida,” , “said Katrina Rolle, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of North Florida.

Through this collaboration, the Capital Region News Collaborative will host election forums covering this year’s city and county commission races, school board elections, and judicial contests. These events will be livestreamed by all participating outlets and made available on each partner’s YouTube channel and website, ensuring accessible and transparent civic coverage across the region.

Organizers note that Americans overwhelmingly identify local news as their most trusted and important source of information — a foundation of healthy democracy. Local News Day aims to reconnect residents with the community journalism that keeps them informed and holds leaders accountable.

“The Collaborative will help strengthen Tallahassee’s local news efforts and will help alert citizens to the importance of local news,” said Steve Stewart, Editor, Tallahassee Reports.

With a $1 million grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Press Forward North Florida seeks to bring together journalists, nonprofit leaders, educators, and community stakeholders to identify local information needs and co-create sustainable solutions that enhance civic engagement and strengthen trusted local news for years to come.

Founded with support from the Community Foundation of North Florida, this initiative reflects the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life across North Florida through charitable giving. The Foundation serves as a convener, catalyst, and connector — helping donors support causes that illuminate and uplift community well-being.

As the nonprofit arm of First Commerce, the FCCU Foundation focuses on fostering financial literacy for all age groups across North Florida and South Georgia. At Leon High, the Foundation led an interactive, game-style Financial Fitness Fair designed to help students build strong financial fundamentals as young adults.

During the Financial Fitness Fair, students received fictional identities that came with simulated real-world expenses, including transportation, housing, groceries, entertainment and childcare. Students rotated through a series of stations representing different expense categories, working one-on-one with First Commerce financial professionals to navigate budgeting decisions tied to each.

First Commerce CEO Cecilia Homison staffed one of the stations, talking with students and advising them on hypothetical budget choices. She said the experience encouraged students to think critically about financial decisions in a safe, supportive environment.

“It’s really exciting because you can start to see them thinking, ‘Hey, I get to make these choices,’ and wanting to be in control,” Homison said after the event. “At the same time, the reality starts to sink in as they see how quickly costs add up and how their job and family situation influence the choices they can make.”

As part of the visit, First Commerce also presented Leon High School with a $1,000 check to support campus beautification efforts by planting new trees. The trees serve as a lasting symbol of the growth and opportunity fostered through financial education initiatives like the Financial Fitness Fair.

Leon High School Assistant Principal Linda John said the Financial Fitness Fair delivers practical lessons students can carry with them long after graduation.

“We truly appreciate you being here today and not only investing in Leon High School, but also investing in financial literacy in our community,” John said following the event.

Members of First Commerce’s volunteer Board of Directors also participated alongside credit union team members, reinforcing the board’s commitment to financial education and community impact.

Alan Neubauer, chairman of the First Commerce Board of Directors, said the event helps prepare students for the financial realities they will face after graduation.

“The goal is to have fun while empowering generations of families to achieve their financial aspirations,” Neubauer said. “These students will soon be navigating the real world, and this gives them valuable perspective on what everyday costs look like and how quickly they add up.”

Board member Shonda Knight, a Leon High School graduate, said the Financial Fitness Fair showcases the credit union’s mission in action.

“As we celebrate the FCCU Foundation’s 10th anniversary alongside First Commerce’s 85th anniversary, we’re incredibly proud that our team members have contributed more than 25,000 volunteer hours empowering generations to achieve their financial aspirations,” Knight said.

The April 2 event reflects First Commerce’s growing commitment to financial education. In 2025, more than 4,000 people of all ages participated in FCCU Foundation financial fitness fairs and customized learning experiences offered throughout the region.

First Commerce and the FCCU Foundation are providing the communities they serve with financial literacy content, lessons, resources and tools throughout Financial Literacy Month in April, all of which are accessible at FirstCommerceCU.org/FLM2026.

“Dr. Tony Lee’s breadth of experience across Florida’s higher education landscape brings instant momentum and strategic insight to his new role as Florida A&M University’s interim chief of staff. His leadership is a welcome addition to the executive team as we advance our mission and continue to prioritize student success, research innovation and academic excellence,” said President Johnson.

Carmen Cummings-Martin, who most recently served as acting chief of staff, will return to the Division of University Advancement as the assistant vice president for Community Affairs.

“Carmen Cummings-Martin exemplifies the standard of excellence with caring that defines FAMU. Her leadership during this critical period of transition has been invaluable, and I am grateful for the foundation she has helped establish. I look forward to building on that work as we deepen our partnerships across the Tallahassee community and beyond,” said Johnson.

Lee’s strategic leadership has driven key initiatives that have advanced the mission and impact of the SUS. Notable achievements include securing increased funding for the System, launching the strategic plan “SUS 30,” organizing the inaugural SUS Fly-In in Washington, D.C., and conducting engagement visits across all 12 universities. His advocacy has been instrumental in shaping higher education policy through collaboration with legislative stakeholders.

“It is a privilege to serve at the number one public HBCU during this transformational time in FAMU history. Together with President Johnson, the Board of Trustees, and our administrative colleagues, I look forward to identifying best practices, advancing our shared strategic goals, and contributing to the continued excellence of this great institution,” said Lee.

Previously, Lee served as the director of University Relations at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). Over his nine-year tenure, he was dedicated to strengthening the university’s community partnerships, enhancing alumni engagement, and advancing institutional outreach. In addition to his administrative role, Lee contributed to academic life as an adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Lee holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Florida State University, a Master of Science in global and strategic communications from Florida International University, and a Doctorate in education from the University of Miami.

According to officials, beginning in February, TPD detectives launched an investigation into suspected narcotics activity connected to a residence on Folsom Road. Over the course of several weeks, detectives conducted surveillance, gathered intelligence, and identified patterns consistent with large-scale drug distribution.

As the investigation progressed, detectives determined Mills was making frequent trips out of state to resupply illegal narcotics. Further investigation revealed Mills was operating out of multiple locations, including a residence in the 3100 block of Folsom Road and another in the 1700 block of Cassatt Drive.

Folsom Road connects to Lakeshore, just west of Meridian Road, and runs south. The Cassatt Drive location is located near Pedrick Drive, approximately 1,000 feet from Buck Lake Elementary School.

After compiling the evidence, detectives obtained search warrants for both locations. Believing Mills had recently returned to Tallahassee from out of state with a new supply of narcotics, Detectives executed the warrants the same day. Mills was taken into custody without incident.

The following items were recovered during the execution of the search warrants:

Total Seizure:

• Approximately 14 kilograms of cocaine
• Approximately 177 pounds of marijuana
• Approximately 11 pounds of suspected MDMA
• Approximately 66 grams of fentanyl
• Approximately 150 grams of synthetic cathinones
• Approximately 8 ounces of methamphetamine
• Six firearms
• More than $30,000 in cash
• Packaging materials consistent with drug distribution

“The amount of narcotics removed from our streets in this case is significant and represents a direct impact on the safety of our community,” said Chief Lawrence Revell. “Every time we disrupt an operation like this, we’re doing more than making an arrest, we are preventing violence, reducing addiction, and protecting families. This is how we make our community safer, and it’s work we will continue every single day.”